The tenth anniversary of the local Padre Pio Prayer Group was celebrated by members at their monthly gathering at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood. On Sept. 21, the group took part in a morning of Eucharistic Adoration and benediction, praying the Rosary and worshipping during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The guest celebrant was Father Paul Asih, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church. The group also anticipated the Sept. 23 feast day of Padre Pio (1887-1968). After their time in church, the group enjoyed a potluck lunch in the Parish Hall. The prayer group traces its roots to 1952 when Pope Pius XII urged Catholics to form prayer groups to satisfy the Virgin Mary’s request at Fatima for more prayer. This inspired Padre Pio, formally known after his canonization as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, to form the Padre Pio Prayer Group. Members become his spiritual children. All Catholics of the Diocese of Birmingham are welcome to join the group which meets on the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows. The church is located at 1728 Oxmoor Road. New members of any age are welcome.